Cold brew is already something special — slow-steeped, low-acid, and bold without the bitterness. But here's the thing: it's also one of the most versatile bases you can work with. Whether you're after something clean and simple or a little indulgent, flavoring your cold brew is where the fun really starts.
At Mr Bean, we're big believers in keeping it natural. That means ditching the processed sugars and leaning into ingredients that actually do something good for your body — without sacrificing flavour. Here's how we do it.
Why Natural Sweeteners Beat Processed Sugar
Processed sugar gives you a quick hit and a hard crash — not exactly the vibe when you're trying to power through your morning. Natural sweeteners, on the other hand, bring more to the table:
- Lower GI — natural options like coconut sugar and honey release energy more slowly, keeping you steady rather than spiking and crashing.
- Trace minerals & antioxidants — raw honey, maple syrup, and dates contain nutrients that refined sugar has had stripped out entirely.
- Better gut health — some natural sweeteners (like raw honey) contain prebiotics that support your gut microbiome.
- Real flavour — natural sweeteners add complexity, not just sweetness. Maple syrup brings warmth. Honey brings floral notes. Dates bring a rich caramel depth.
Our Favourite Ways to Flavour Cold Brew
1. Natural Simple Syrups
Swap the white sugar for something with character. Combine equal parts raw honey (or coconut sugar) with warm water and stir until dissolved — no heat needed. Try a cinnamon-honey syrup by steeping a cinnamon stick while it cools. Add to your cold brew to taste and you've got something genuinely good.
2. Spices
Cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg are cold brew's best mates. Add a pinch directly to your grounds before brewing and let the steep do the work. Cinnamon in particular has been shown to help regulate blood sugar — a nice bonus when you're already cutting back on processed sweeteners.
3. Pure Extracts
A few drops of pure vanilla extract (not imitation — read the label) transforms your cold brew into something that tastes like it came from a specialty café. Almond extract works beautifully too. No sugar required.
4. Fresh Fruit
Nature's sweetener, straight up. Sliced strawberries, orange peel, or fresh peach add natural fructose and a brightness that plays perfectly against cold brew's deep, roasted notes. Add to your glass or steep overnight in the fridge with your cold brew concentrate.
5. Fresh Herbs
Don't sleep on herbs. A sprig of fresh mint or a few basil leaves steeped with your grounds (or muddled into your glass) adds a refreshing lift that makes your cold brew feel like a proper craft drink. Rosemary pairs surprisingly well with a touch of honey syrup too.
6. Natural Creamers
Oat milk, coconut cream, or a good quality macadamia milk add richness without the processed additives you'll find in most flavoured creamers. If you want a hint of sweetness, go for an unsweetened oat milk and add your own natural syrup — you control what goes in.
7. The Cold Brew Float
For something a little indulgent, add a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream to your cold brew. Use a brand that uses real cane sugar or coconut sugar rather than glucose syrup, and you've got a treat that's still a step above the processed stuff. It's cold brew as dessert — and we're absolutely here for it.
The Mr Bean Way
Our cold brew concentrate is designed to be the perfect base — bold enough to hold its own against milk, ice, and flavour additions, smooth enough to drink straight. Start with our concentrate, experiment with these natural additions, and find your perfect cup.
Slow-steeped. Bold. Cold. 🖤